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Publix nominates Bealls CEO to board

Published: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, March 18, 2013 at 7:20 p.m.

Publix Super Markets has nominated Bradenton-based Bealls Inc.'s top executive to become a member of its board of directors.

Stephen Knopik, the department and outlet store chain's chief executive officer, would become the Lakeland-based grocer's 10th board member, if elected during an annual shareholders' meeting next month.

Knopik is the only nominee who is not a current board member. Publix shareholders -- many of whom are past or current employees of the privately held supermarket chain -- will vote on his appointment at the meeting.

"It is a profound honor for me to be considered by Publix to be a member of their board," Knopik said. "This is a company I have always admired."

He said he believes his experience on Bealls Inc.'s board, of which he is also a member, would help him better serve Publix if approved.

Both Bealls and Publix operate dozens of stores in Southern states such as Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

"When looking at the makeup of the board, nominations are made that will compliment the gaps we currently have," said Maria Brous, a Publix spokeswoman.

"Mr. Knopik brings forth a tremendous amount of retail and finance knowledge, and that makes him a great candidate."

Knopik, 57, is the first non-Beall family member ever to run the nearly 100-year-old retail company.

He was named CEO of the retail chain in 2006 after Robert M. Beall II stepped down. Knopik served eight years as president of the company before being elevated to the top job.

He joined the company as chief financial officer in 1984. He is a graduate of the University of Florida. Knopik also attended Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota.

Publix ranked No. 8 on Supermarket News' list of the top 75 grocery retailers in the U.S. in 2012, with $27.5 billion in annual sales.

The chain also has been the highest-ranked grocery store on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index since 1994.

"It is a common and best practice for corporate executives to serve on another company's board," said Bill Webster, a Bealls spokesman. "We have members on our board that do not work for Bealls."

<p>Publix Super Markets has nominated Bradenton-based Bealls Inc.'s top executive to become a member of its board of directors.</p><p>Stephen Knopik, the department and outlet store chain's chief executive officer, would become the Lakeland-based grocer's 10th board member, if elected during an annual shareholders' meeting next month.</p><p>Knopik is the only nominee who is not a current board member. Publix shareholders -- many of whom are past or current employees of the privately held supermarket chain -- will vote on his appointment at the meeting.</p><p>"It is a profound honor for me to be considered by Publix to be a member of their board," Knopik said. "This is a company I have always admired."</p><p>He said he believes his experience on Bealls Inc.'s board, of which he is also a member, would help him better serve Publix if approved.</p><p>Both Bealls and Publix operate dozens of stores in Southern states such as Florida, Georgia and Alabama.</p><p>"When looking at the makeup of the board, nominations are made that will compliment the gaps we currently have," said Maria Brous, a Publix spokeswoman.</p><p>"Mr. Knopik brings forth a tremendous amount of retail and finance knowledge, and that makes him a great candidate."</p><p>Knopik, 57, is the first non-Beall family member ever to run the nearly 100-year-old retail company.</p><p>He was named CEO of the retail chain in 2006 after Robert M. Beall II stepped down. Knopik served eight years as president of the company before being elevated to the top job.</p><p>He joined the company as chief financial officer in 1984. He is a graduate of the University of Florida. Knopik also attended Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota.</p><p>Publix ranked No. 8 on Supermarket News' list of the top 75 grocery retailers in the U.S. in 2012, with $27.5 billion in annual sales.</p><p>The chain also has been the highest-ranked grocery store on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index since 1994.</p><p>"It is a common and best practice for corporate executives to serve on another company's board," said Bill Webster, a Bealls spokesman. "We have members on our board that do not work for Bealls."</p>